Illuminated Bubble Level With Directional Cues for Fast Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing levels require users to manually adjust the device in multiple directions to achieve a desired orientation, such as level or plumb, without clear visual or auditory guidance.
Innovation Solution
A level equipped with an illumination arrangement and directional indicia that provides visual and audio cues to guide users on how to adjust the device to achieve the desired orientation, using LEDs and arrows to indicate the necessary movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional level without illumination and directional indicators is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the user cannot quickly determine the direction needed to achieve desired orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an illumination arrangement with LEDs as an intermediary system between the bubble vial and the user's visual perception. The LEDs selectively illuminate specific portions of the vial or background to indicate direction, acting as a mediator that translates orientation information into intuitive visual cues without requiring complex mechanical or electronic components
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination arrangement utilizes color changes or selective illumination of different colored portions of the vial or background to convey directional information. By illuminating specific colored areas (e.g., red vs. green portions), the system provides intuitive visual feedback about the direction needed to achieve level orientation
2Productivity
If directional indication features are added to the level, then alignment speed and accuracy improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The directional indication is achieved by segmenting the illumination into distinct portions that correspond to different directional information. The illumination arrangement selectively illuminates different portions of the vial or background independently, allowing simple control logic to indicate direction without requiring a complex integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination arrangement serves multiple functions: it illuminates the bubble vial for visibility, provides directional indication through selective illumination of specific portions, and can indicate when level orientation is achieved. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function
3Measurement precision
If selective illumination of multiple vials is implemented, then directional guidance becomes more precise, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination arrangement operates by selectively illuminating different portions of the vial or background in a periodic or sequential manner rather than continuously illuminating all portions. This allows the system to provide precise directional information through timed illumination patterns while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous full illumination
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates quick and accurate alignment to the desired orientation by providing real-time visual and audio feedback, enhancing user experience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination arrangement may be in the form of an LED arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A level that includes a frame, vials, and an illumination arrangement that selectively illuminates the one or more vials. A directional indication arrangement utilizes the illumination arrangement to inform a user as to how the level should be positioned to achieve a desired orientation. The directional indication arrangement includes direction indicating indicia on the frame, such as arrows which, in conjunction with the illumination arrangement operating in the vicinity of the arrows, informs the user how the level should be positioned to achieve the desired orientation